Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios Crowned Miss Universe 2023

In a night filled with suspense and elegance, Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios, emerged victorious and etched her name in history as Nicaragua’s first-ever Miss Universe when she claimed the coveted title of Miss Universe 2023.

The José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador, was transformed into a spectacle of glamour and elegance, providing the perfect backdrop for the 84 contestants to showcase their beauty, talent and intellect on November 18. Musical genius John Legend performed during the event.

The culmination of the evening was marked by an intense moment of anticipation. Sheynnis Palacios and Miss Thailand stood side by side, hands clasped together, as the venue plunged into darkness, leaving only a spotlight illuminating the two finalists.

The tension in the air was heightened by a prolonged silence, during which both contestants closed their eyes in anticipation. The spell was finally broken by a voice ringing out, proclaiming “Nicaragua!”

Palacios, visibly overwhelmed with emotion, reacted to her triumph by shedding tears of joy. Her hands shook as she raised them to her face, basking in the cheers of the crowd. The atmosphere in the arena erupted with jubilation as the newly crowned Miss Universe savoured the historic moment.

Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild secured the first runner-up position while Australia’s Moraya Wilson claimed the second runner-up spot,

Miss BVI Universe Ashellica Fahie represented the territory at the pageant.

Miss British Virgin Islands Ashellica Fahie in National Costume at Miss Universe 2023 on November 16, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

The grand finale saw last year’s Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, aged 29, graciously passing on the title to her successor. Palacios, in an emotional exchange, received the crown, symbolising not only her personal triumph but also a groundbreaking achievement for Nicaragua on the global stage.

The pageant made history by allowing married women and mothers to participate for the first time. This significant shift in policy reflects a broader embrace of diversity and inclusivity within the Miss Universe competition. Furthermore, the international stage saw the participation of two openly trans women, Marina Machete from Portugal and Rikkie Kollé from the Netherlands, marking another stride toward recognizing and celebrating the diversity of womanhood on a global scale.

John Legend performs during the 72nd Miss Universe Competition on November 18, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador. HECTOR VIVAS/GETTY